December 1, 2014

puritan & company

 homemade brioche + butter

 bratwurst stuffed quail w/ lentils, tomatillo, eggs

  chicken liver mousse w/ sourdough, dilly beans, mustard


roasted kurobuta pork t-bone w/ mustard greens, spaetzle, cider


hay-roasted carrots w/ charred scallion, fresh cheese, roe

VENUE //  Puritan & Company is a shiny, beacon of yum located in a more run-down part of Inman Square.  Puritan & Company is a glorified, 21st century version of a New England Farm -- spacious, high ceilings, clean / sleek interior paired with light wooden paneled walls, antique figurines and a mason jar chandelier.  The first piece of antique equipment I noticed when I walked in was the owner's grandma's oven that has been transformed into the hostess stand.  Overall, the venue is surprisingly large but lined with cozy small tables for a more intimate feel.

FOOD //  I was initially a bit disappointed by the menu when I realized that a lot of dishes that I wanted to try (from Yelp pictures) were not available.  However, disappointment turned to delight after my first bite of the homemade brioche.  Speckled with sea salt, these homemade buns do not disappoint.  From the starters to the mains, the dishes are fresh, simple yet complex (kind of like grandma's cooking on steroids), and portioned well.  I didn't actually try the bratwurst or the pork t-bone but would have to say those looked the most appetizing! The pate was good but not extraordinary, and I could have passed on the carrots.  Overall, I would say the food is above average, but I would be willing to give it another try when the menu changes.

DRINK //  Again, I was looking forward to trying the lavender cocktail, but it was unavailable.  Instead, I ordered the Church which was okay.  

If I had to rank the above categories, I would say that I appreciated Puritan's venue the most.  Unlike any other restaurant I have been to, Puritan has done an exceptional job in blending the old with the new.  Although I appreciated certain aspects of the dishes we tried, I wasn't overwhelmed but would be willing to come again when the menu changes.

Puritan & Company
1166 Cambridge Street